O mega-3s are essential fatty acids that play a vital role in your body. They’re called ‘essential’ because our bodies can’t produce them, so we need to obtain them from food sources. The three most significant types are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). ALA is mainly found in plants, whereas DHA and EPA are found in oily fish and shellfish.
Whydoweneedomega-3s?
• The long-chain fatty acids DHA and EPA are known to reduce inflammation in the body. They significantly reduce heart disease risks such as blood clotting and plaque formation in the arteries. They also decrease insulin resistance, and are also thought to reduce the risk of dementia.
• Omega-3s lower anxiety and depression levels. They help to improve concentration, and studies have shown that they can substantially reduce certain symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as restlessness.
• They are important contributors to bone and joint health because they reduce the risk of osteoporosis by increasing the absorption of calcium in the bones.
